1) They ignore past mistakes
A good partner puts the past in perspective and doesn’t constantly bring up reminders from the past that serve no valuable purpose in the present. Such as something their partner did months or years earlier. Move on!
2) They don’t compare
The partner realizes that each person they date has strengths and weaknesses and refrains from comparing their current partner to their exes – especially unfavorably. Just because an ex was unfaithful does not mean that another partner will be so too.
3) They understand the idea of ‘give and take’
The partner is aware that all relationships need both partners to put in effort. It’s all about balance, about the give and take. If one person does all the taking, the imbalance will lead to problems. The person doing all the giving will end up resentful.
4) They know the importance of time alone
A good partner understands when they need space and a time out. A healthy relationship involves having interests outside the relationship, and spending too much time together can lead to a feeling of suffocation. Again, it’s all about balance.
5) They prioritize communication
The partner places communication as a high priority. Many if not most issues can be worked out if you have the ability to communicate with one another. Being able to talk openly and knowing you will be heard and not ignored or dismissed is vital for the longevity of a relationship.
6) They are straightforward and/or uncomplicated
A good partner doesn’t engage in game playing. They live with integrity and speak up about problems instead of engaging in underhanded tactics such as passive aggressive behavior or withdrawing affection.
7) They are ‘tuned in’
The partner knows their significant other’s ‘love language,’ from acts of service to affection to spending quality time together to verbal expressions to gifts.
8) They are light hearted
A good partner has a good sense of humor, and you can exchange jokes with them and make each other laugh.
9) They are reasonable
The partner has realistic expectations of their significant other. We’re all human and we all make mistakes. A good partner doesn’t have double standards whereby one set of rules applies to them and a different set of rules applies to everyone else.
10) They are self-aware
A good partner understands when they are projecting. Often, we expect others to show strengths that we wish we had. When they don’t, we feel disappointed. Learn to develop these skills in yourself and use your relationship as a way forward to enlightenment and personal growth.
11) They are optimistic
The partner has positive expectations; they expect the relationship to be good and to last and don’t dwell on negatives. Focusing on the bad parts can lead to self fulfilling prophecies.
12) They take responsibility for themselves
A good partner doesn’t expect their significant other to be the only source of happiness in their life. They realize that we are all responsible for our own happiness. A partner is a wonderful bonus but not a necessity in life.
13) They are not emotionally abusive, manipulative or controlling
A good partner treats their significant other with respect by not criticizing them relentlessly, embarrassing them in front of others or trying to control them.
14) They are generous with their time and/or resources
The partner shows empathy and works with you as a team. It’s not all about them, just like it’s not all about you. You work together, and they understand the concept of strength in numbers and are happy to offer support.
15) They are dependable
A good partner is reliable and responsible, always there for you in a crisis if thy are able to.
16) They are supportive
A good partner encourages you to be the best you can be. They do not feel threatened by your success and they naturally bring out the best in you.
17) They put consistent effort into the relationship
A caring, good partner realizes that relationships take work and don’t chug along for ever without putting any effort in. The honeymoon phase is really just that, a phase!
18) They are honest and trustworthy
The partner is trustworthy, say what they mean and would never cheat on you. If they did meet someone else, they would end the relationship rather than deceive you and hurt you by leading you on.
19) They are able to say “sorry”
A good partner is self aware enough to know when they are in the wrong and have no problem with apologizing.
20) They are your best friend
A good partner offers a wonderful friendship. Friendship can hold a relationship together when the going gets tough. If you are friends, the other problems can always be worked out, since friendship provides a solid foundation for a happy healthy relationship.
Of course, we are all human and can’t be good partners 100% of the time. A good partner, however, will possess most of the qualities listed above and will generally be someone who is happy with who they are and how they live their lives. Once self-acceptance established, there is always more to give to others.
